Calgary - Friday July 10th 2026

We went into Calgary on Thursday on their light railway system. A cross between a tube and a tram. Pretty good but no underpasses or bridges and they have to stop at traffic lights.

Went to explore down by the river to start with. The city centre is all high rise but north of the river much more low key.

There are people in Alberta who want independence but we saw quite a few of these Choose Unity signs.

There's also a peace bridge.

We then wandered down the main drag and succumbed to the purchase of hats.

Had lunch in an Irish bar then headed back to the hotel before heading to the Stampede evening show. First up was chuck wagon racing.

Then a women's bareback race. Then a Bareback relay. The same rider rode 3 horses. You can just about make a change over here. It was very exciting.

Then they pulled the stage into position for the evening show.

It was quite spectacular. Lots of dancers, singers, acrobats, fiddlers, a country band, fireworks and a drone light show.

On Friday we went to the main rodeo but on the way checked out the library and The National Music Centre.

The rodeo had Barrel Racing, Bull Riding, Tie-Down Roping, Steer Wrestling, Saddle Bronk, Bareback, and Breakaway Roping. I tried to take photos but they didn't come out too well. There was also an event where 3 kids tried to ride a pony.